FSAI closure orders for nine food firms in July

Nine closure orders and seven prohibition orders were served on food businesses during the month of July for breaches of food safety legislation, The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reported this morning.

The FSAI orders were issued by environmental health officers in the Health Service Executive and sea-fisheries protection officers in the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.

Prof Alan Reilly, chief executive of FSAI, warned that food businesses need to be vigilant in relation to food safety, ensure full compliance with food regulations and demand high standards from their suppliers.

“This is another high monthly total of enforcement orders, with seven prohibition orders served last month, which is a new and worrying record. These prohibition orders force food businesses to withdraw unsafe or illegal food from the market. We warn food businesses to ensure that the food they serve and sell is safe to eat, and obtained from reputable suppliers. It is vital that all batches of food are fully traceable and labelled correctly, and that food businesses know it has been produced and stored safely and hygienically. The integrity of the food supply chain relies on every food business playing its part,” he said.

If any food business owner is unsure of what is required of them by law, they can contact the FSAI advice line on 1890 336677 or visit its website.